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Tag: Kendrick Lamar super bowl

  • Jay-Z Explains Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Pick

    Jay-Z is setting the record straight regarding his decision to feature Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. The performance, which took place in February at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, occurred amidst Lamar’s highly publicized feud with Drake, leading many to speculate that Jay-Z was taking sides.

    Standing By the Choice

    In a recent interview with GQ’s Frazier Tharpe, Jay-Z addressed the backlash and firmly defended his choice. “I chose the guy that was having a monster year,” he explained. “I think it was the right choice.”

    He expressed frustration with the narrative that his decision was influenced by the rap battle between Lamar and Drake. “What do I care about them two guys battling? What’s that got to do with me?” Jay-Z questioned, emphasizing his own stature in the industry. “I’m f*cking Jay-Z!” He dismissed the idea of a conspiracy against Drake, stating that the situation was simply about selecting an artist who was performing exceptionally well that year.

    Reflections on Rivalries

    Jay-Z drew parallels between the current feud and his own past rivalry with Nas. He noted that such conflicts often simmer for a long time before erupting publicly. “I think this has been brewing, just like me and Nas was brewing,” he said, adding that he regretted the intensity of that feud because he genuinely likes Nas. He suggested that the current climate might make such intense battles less necessary or even detrimental to the culture.

    New Music on the Horizon?

    Beyond discussing the Super Bowl performance and rap feuds, Jay-Z also revealed that he has been working on new music. However, he admitted that the material isn’t quite ready for release, describing his current ideas as “bad” and not reflective of his current state of mind. “I don’t know how to make music that’s not reflective of how I’m feeling at the moment,” he confessed.

    Do you agree with Jay-Z’s decision to feature Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl? What are your thoughts on the current state of rap battles? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Akademiks Names Kendrick’s Super Bowl Show ‘Moment of the Year’

    Even though DJ Akademiks is a well-known supporter of Drake, he’s giving credit where credit is due. In his recent year-end awards for hip-hop in 2025, Akademiks surprised many by naming Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show as the “Moment of the Year.” This is a significant nod, considering the ongoing rivalry between Lamar and Drake.

    A Fair Assessment of a Historic Performance

    Akademiks admitted that while he’s a fan of Drake, he has to be fair. He stated, “Kendrick’s Super Bowl was the moment of the year.” He acknowledged that the performance broke records and generated massive buzz, especially with the backdrop of a lawsuit. Akademiks noted that people tuned in specifically to see if Lamar would address the situation, and he did, delivering a powerful performance that left many, including Akademiks himself, speechless.

    He vividly recalled the moment, saying, “I remember the chicken wing I was eating when that s**t came on… I remember everything down to the performance. And I remember sitting there speechless watching him on the screen really popping it.” His co-host, Wayno, agreed, highlighting how Lamar is skilled at creating impactful moments, referencing his past “Control” verse as another example.

    Past Criticisms and Future Praise?

    This praise comes as a surprise given Akademiks’ history of criticizing both Kendrick Lamar and his fanbase. He’s previously called out fan pages he believes are not genuinely from the U.S. and has often compared Drake’s achievements favorably against Lamar’s. He even claimed Drake aimed to surpass Lamar’s worldwide tour record with his ICEMAN album.

    Despite these past critiques and his clear allegiance to Drake, Akademiks’ recognition of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance as the “Moment of the Year” speaks volumes about the cultural significance and sheer impact of the show. It remains to be seen if this rare praise for Lamar will continue, but for now, the Super Bowl halftime performance has earned its place in hip-hop history, even earning a nod from its most vocal critic.

    Do you agree with DJ Akademiks? Was Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance the “Moment of the Year”? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!